The most common type of shirt printing is screen-printing. These methods are used by individuals and small business to create shirts in small or custom batches. Screen-printing is very affordable and does not require a lot of equipment. Sublimation and Heat Transfer are the other two methods. Sublimation is the more difficult method. This method is only suitable for synthetic materials such as acrylic. Heat transfer is the simplest of the three t-shirt print processes. Heat transfer may be quicker than screen-printing, but the end product will not last as well.
Screen-printing
This type of t-shirt printing singapore cheap print is made with inks and mesh screens that have been treated with a special chemical to allow the image to be burnt into the shirt. The screen is coated in a substance that hardens when exposed to sunlight. The image can be printed onto a transparency and placed on the screen. The exposed substrate will harden, but the transparent material will remain soft. The soft substrate can be washed away to produce an image. You now place the screen over the tee shirt. The ink is then pressed into the opening of the substrate by using a squeegee. Equipment investment is minimal. The screens can be reused by washing and re-coating with additional substrate.
Heat Transfer
This type of printing on t-shirts is done only on white tees to avoid problems with conflicting colors. Transfers can be put on any color shirt if desired, but white tees are best. This is a fast method of printing because you are using a transfer design that has already been created. The transfer is applied to the shirt by heating it. This can be done at home with an ironing board, but for large quantities of shirts you will need to purchase special equipment. This is a quick and easy option but it does not last. Over time, the transfers crack and often cause degradation or fading.
Sublimation
This is the fastest and most durable method of t-shirt print. It is expensive and a limited method. This type of printing is done most often on acrylic or synthetic materials like nylon. Ink is heated to the point that it becomes gas. The ink is transferred onto the fabric. This process requires a heating element, substrates and special inks which can increase the price of the garment.
